Sandra‘s Closet

Last week, the Bucherer Flagship Store in Zurich opened its doors after an intense refurbishment in new splendor at Bahnhofstr. 50. Inside, five floors of around 800 square meters await you to explore the most beautiful jewelry pieces as well as creations from several renowned watch brands, among them Piaget, Chopard and Roger Dubuis just to name a few. On the ground floor, a unique Rolex boutique, welcomes customers at the entrance.

Modern architecture meets spectacular design. The facade shines in Cristallina
Marble, the only one mined in Switzerland, generating a fascinating effect depending on how the sunlight reflects on it.

The renovation is another milestone in the over 130-year history of Bucherer. What many do not know: Although the family business’ roots are in Lucerne, Bucherer has been represented at the Bahnhofstrasse since the early ’40s.

To celebrate the occasion, I was invited to explore the fascinating collections of Bucherer Fine Jewellery that you see me wearing in the pictures, all created with passion and expertise for high jewelry.

Speaking of passion: if you visit the store, have a look at the Romance Lounge, that invite customers to take their time to indulge in the beautiful pieces as if they were sitting in a café.

My personal favorites are the new limited edition Clover rings that have been launched as a highlight for the re-opening. Bucherer’s VIP customers were of course able to explore the models beforehand and reserve their must-have. 18 unique pieces, each of them exclusive, valuable and rare – the number an homage to the founding year of Bucherer 1888. Prices range depending on the precious stones from CHF 22,000 to CHF 420,000.

To surprise their distinguished clientele in different ways, Bucherer plans to host exclusive events throughout the year on their event floor with roof terrace, that offers breathtaking views over the city. Outstanding service and strong customer relation – two main values the family business has been standing for since 1888.

Stay tuned for my next post from the opening party last Tuesday coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bucherer
Photos of me: © Dominik Orth –  Instagram @orthart

For 2019, Lucia Pica — CHANEL Global Creative Makeup and Color Designer — has created a collection inspired by female individuality and designed to encourage self-expression.
Eyes make the first impression: they need to reflect a woman’s character and convey her nuances, to amplify her personality rather than mask it.

«It is not about covering them; it is about beautifying them,» reflects Lucia Pica. «I am very attracted to style and character. I feel like women should still look polished, just not too overly done and old-fashioned.»

THE NEW «SECOND SKIN SMOKY»
4 HARMONIES, 3 PRODUCTS
Inspired by the «blurry» effect, and based on the three pillars of CHANEL eye products (LES 4 OMBRES, STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF, LE VOLUME RÉVOLUTION DE CHANEL), Lucia Pica has created four universal harmonies with a distinctive colour signature for all women, regardless of their level of makeup expertise. Four ways to dress a look in the most personal and intuitive way, with ease and freedom.

Each palette’s elegant colour combinations can be endlessly mixed and layered, by varying and blending shades and finishes. Their blurry effect creates a foolproof «second skin smoky» look.

LES 4 OMBRES – CHF 77.00 each
Four palettes designed to offer infinite results. Silky concentrated pigments gently glide over the eyelid, their emblematic shades universally appealing, their diffusive, blurry textures seamlessly blendable. On application, effects can range from natural definition to intense drama.

THE SHADES
318 Blurry Green a dusty antique gold; a satin golden green;
a warm rosy bronze; a deep dark green
322 Blurry Grey a smoky grey; a dusty platinum;
a deep aubergine; a matte stone beige
324 Blurry Blue a lightly rosy grey; a matte blue grey;
a taupe grey; an intense dusty blue
328 Blurry Mauve a terracotta tile red; a light dusty rosewood;
a bronze, satin taupe; a deep greyish lilac

LUCIA’S TIP
Playing with texture and finish ensures modern impact: when both lips and eyes are enhanced, keep the skin fresh for a contemporary finish.

STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF – CHF 35.00 each
A waterproof eye pencil created to enhance the eyes with intensity and depth. A retractable tip and integrated sharpener encourage easy and spontaneous use. Whether tracing the contour of the upper lash line for a natural effect, or thickening its application for sophisticated drama, the smooth, gentle formula offers profound impact.

THE SHADES
943 Brun Agapé a luminous bronze
944 Noir Énigmatique a sparkling blue grey
945 Black Wood a deep brown
946 Intense Teal a duck blue
948 Jungle Green a forest green

LUCIA’S TIP
For an effortless but dramatic effect, apply the liner a little heavier and smoke out the colour using a small brush, blending out and upwards. Then, re-apply liner close to the lashes for extra depth and definition.

LE VOLUME RÉVOLUTION DE CHANEL – CHF 48.00 each (limited edition colours)
The first ever 3D-printed mascara brush, LE VOLUME RÉVOLUTION DE CHANEL offers a revolution through its unprecedented precision and immediate, extreme volume. This uniquely high-tech innovation ensures perfect, even application with every stroke — and with no clumps in sight.

THE SHADES
17 Jungle Green an emerald green
27 Deep Eros a bright burgundy
37 Intense Teal a sparkling green blue
91 Volcan a deep blue grey

LUCIA’S TIP
Apply extra mascara to the centre of the lashes, and remove a little from the outer edges, for a wide-eyed effect.

In stores Mid June 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

In the mood for immediate boarding with CHANEL? For those who wish to discover LES EAUX DE CHANEL or travel with them by land, air or sea, the French Maison proposes an elegant set of the three eaux de toilettes PARIS-DEAUVILLE, PARIS BIARRITZ and PARIS-VENISE available in limited edition. Presented in 50ml bottles, they come with a jersey pouch bag and three postcards to send from one of your getaways.

PARIS-DEAUVILLE: essences of orange and basil, vivacious, elegant and
full of character.
PARIS-BIARRITZ: an invigorating scent like a splash of sea spray, bursting with top notes of grapefruit and mandarin, accompanied by a lily-of-thevalley accord.
PARIS-VENISE: a gentle vapor that brings the subtle promise of the Orient on the skin, through the presence of neroli softened by an ambery accord.

LES EAUX DE CHANEL Travel Set Limited Edition CHF 297.-
PARIS-DEAUVILLE Vaporisateur 50 ml CHF 99.-
PARIS-BIARRITZ Vaporisateur 50 ml CHF 99.-
PARIS-VENISE Vaporisateur 50 ml CHF 99.-

Available from the beginning of June 2019.

Yesterday, CHANEL‘s Cruise 2020 show took place in Paris and travel was very much on the Maison’s new artistic director Virginie Viard who wrote the next chapter in the history of the House that had been synonymous with Karl Lagerfeld for 36 years. Train tracks, but no train, the audience seated on wooden benches waiting to board the CHANEL Express. The ambiance, the invite, everything was more minimalistic than what we were used from Emperor Karl. Very cool though was the Belle Epoque café that carried the name «Le Riviera», reminiscent of CHANEL’s newest limited edition fragrance PARIS-RIVIERA, that resembled Le Train Bleu at the Gare de Lyon train station in Paris.

Inside, guests were served a three-course lavish champagne lunch. CHANEL knows how to wet your appetite… enjoy the best looks below. A collection that I would call extremely beautiful yet not super exciting.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of CHANEL, via Instagram @chanel 

This spring, embrace soft, sheer color with Always Bare for You by OPI! Six shades in the prettiest neutral, feminine hues offer a hint of color – ideal for anyone seeking a delicate nail look, especially brides and brides-to-be. Inspired by weddings and all the joy surrounding this season of love, Always Bare for You features shades of pink, nude and rose gold in crème and shimmer finishes, as well as pale lilac and soft blue grey rounding out the collection.

A beautifully manicured hand will always command attention especially when showing off your ring. OPI Co-Founder and Brand Ambassador Suzi Weiss-Fischmann suggests for brides to wear a hue like Ring Bear-er, an elegant blue grey, on fingers or toes and check «something blue» off their list.

Always Bare for You by OPI includes these shades in classic Nail Lacquer, Infinite Shine and GelColor formulas: Baby, Take A Vow – Throw Me A Kiss – Chiffon-d of You – Bare My Soul – Engage-meant To Be – Ring Bare-er.

French manicure is trending again.

These new shades are for everyone looking for the perfect nude shade to complement every outfit. Mother’s Day, baby showers, Easter, and even just a sunny morning are all good excuses to embrace a sheer nail.

Available now as Nail Lacquer CHF 19.90 (15ml), Infinite Shine CHF 24.90 (15ml) and as GelColor in-salon treatments for around 6 months.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

«PARIS-RIVIERA is a floral and luminous fragrance that reflects the joyful, sunny spirit of the Côte d’Azur in the 1920s.» – Olivier Polge

Launched in 2018, the LES EAUX DE CHANEL collection opened a whole new realm of olfactory sensations in the world of CHANEL fragrances : one of freshness and elegance in any situation. Woven with Sicilian and Calabrian citrus, these eaux de toilette invite you to travel, to escape without reason and sail away. With LES EAUX DE CHANEL, there is no need to go anywhere to savor the scent of faraway places on the skin.

Inspired by destinations dear to Gabrielle Chanel, and created by Olivier Polge in cooperation with the CHANEL Laboratory of Fragrance Creation and Development, LES EAUX DE CHANEL are adds a new destination: PARIS-RIVIERA. Rare and exclusive, the new motionless escape will be available for one year starting June 1, 2019.

Gabrielle Coco Chanel and Misia Sert

The mere mention of its name conjures up images of a coastline winding its way between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Bringing the promise of azure blue and dancing sunlight, the Riviera evokes an enveloping softness and the lazy days of summer. From the far south bordering Italy and Monte Carlo to the Var, artists and creators from around the world were drawn to this Mediterranean coast as early as the 1920s. Thanks to her friend Misia Sert who introduced her to Venice, the gateway to the Orient, Gabrielle Chanel began sojourning on the Riviera in 1920.

Gabrielle Chanel and Count Sala at the Hôtel de Paris in Monaco.

She loved driving to Monaco with the Grand Duke Dimitri or travelling south on the Train Bleu, a means of transport made famous by Serge de Diaghilev who wrote a ballet by the same name and entrusted the costume design to Mademoiselle Chanel. She could often be found on the Côte d’Azur during the Roaring Twenties, one day on the Duke of Westminster’s yacht in Monte Carlo, another at her regular haunt, the Hôtel de Paris in Monaco, or at the Société des Bains de Mer resort
known for its legendary parties. Gabrielle Chanel also frequented Cannes, where she opened a boutique, and joined the painters and writers who flocked to Saint-Tropez, which was but a fishing port at the time.

Gabrielle Chanel at her villa «La Pausa»

But a little to the East, on the heights of Roquebrune, is where she chose to point her compass and have her villa «La Pausa» built. Mademoiselle oversaw every last architectural detail, and had olive groves and fields of lavender planted. She made it her permanent vacation home, where she entertained a number of celebrities such as Jean Cocteau and Salvador Dalí. There in her beloved southern France, Gabrielle Chanel wove a tapestry of moments suspended in time and joyful memories.

Her bathroom inside «La Pausa»

The fantasy-filled world of the Riviera inspired perfumer-creator Olivier Polge to compose a luminous and elegant fragrance. «The dream Côte d’Azur of the 1920s is what guided the development of this new fragrance,» explains Olivier Polge. «A sun-filled Eden that was a magnet
for artists. The flawless architecture of the villas in those days. The
bright and happy atmosphere of party nights…»

The perfumer noticed a remarkable lightheartedness in the pictures of Gabrielle Chanel surrounded by friends, her face upturned to the sun, and incarnated it with a fragrance of Mediterranean flowers bathed in fresh citrus. He teamed jasmine with a unique quality of neroli from the orange
blossoms found in the South of France. «For years, we have worked with a cooperative in Vallauris that distills orange blossoms grown in the region’s private gardens», recounts Olivier Polge. «The owners of bitter orange groves bring the petals picked from their trees to this cooperative to be processed on location. The local climate yields an extremely pure essence.»

Les Eaux de CHANEL collection: Paris-Deauville, Paris-Venise and Paris-Biarritz

The airy signature scent of the LES EAUX DE CHANEL collection is instantly recognizable on the skin: a refreshing veil of orange peel and petit grain. Then emerges the pairing of jasmine and neroli with enveloping fullness. Over time, an irresistible softness fuses with the floral impression : it is the work of benzoin balm and sandalwood. The PARIS-RIVIERA eau de toilette creates a snapshot of summer with a single spray. A promise of azure blue and sun on the skin. A one-way trip to a legendary Mediterranean coast.

Available in limited edition from June 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020 at CHANEL stores and on chanel.com. Paris-Riviera Eau de Toilette Vaporisateur 125 ml for CHF 155.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL, © Monte-Carlo SBM archives

A long-time friend of the House of CHANEL and of the late Karl Lagerfeld, Pharrell Williams has signed a CHANEL ready-to-wear and accessories capsule collection for the S/S 2019 season.

With a rainbow palette, Pharrell Williams has imagined a line in the colours of optimism. In the spirit of street art, the musician appends his signature and his writing in the form of CC, N°5 and Coco embroideries and graffitis on a hooded sweatshirt, an oversize shopper and white sneakers with mismatched laces.

The collection was launched first in Seoul’s newly opened CHANEL store on March 28, 2019.

Pharrell Williams performing at the opening party in Seoul.

The artist combines his name with that of the House of CHANEL – CHANEL-Pharrell – on block colour t-shirts, short and long robes, rhinestoned costume jewelry, leather belts, terry towelling bucket hats, hip packs in suede, loafers that also come as mules, as well as rectangular-shaped, shield and round glasses with a pop attitude.

The singer and songwriter also has fun sharing a memory, that of a bet he made with a friend about a future collaboration with CHANEL: we find this story printed on the back of a long-sleeve t-shirt that comes in eight different colours.

CHANEL-Pharrell, obvious assonances, a creative affinity: discover this collaboration exclusively now in certain CHANEL boutiques around the world.

Personally speaking I like it a lot. Nevertheless it seems not very «CHANEL» to me and reminds me somehow a little bit too much of Gucci … but every brand has to find a new way to navigate through the possible bumpy times ahead and to secure new customer groups. Especially that the emperor had to leave his kingdom… the wheel of fashion is turning fast and you have to be creative to survive. And let’s be honest, Coco Chanel was a trendsetter. It’s in the DNA of the Maison!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of © CHANEL
#CHANELPharrell

Swiss luxury watchmaker HUBLOT and MARC FERRERO, the artist behind Storytelling Art, unveiled the Big Bang One Click Marc Ferrero, which could be viewed at the Baselworld trade fair this week. Paying homage to the 21st century woman, who distinguishes herself through the multiplicity of her roles, in this exclusive timepiece she is embodied as the heroine of modern times. This collaboration marks an exploratory approach to art and watchmaking.

The 21st century woman is a real muse. In turn wife, mother, friend, lover, business woman, femme fatale, fashion icon or night owl, for every hour of the day the modern woman sets herself apart as unpredictable, multifaceted and unique. She is disarming and makes light of the simple or complex adventures that she comes up against; drawing upon her charm, she juggles the lives that fill each of her days.

The dial tells the story of this heroine of modern times with ‘Lipstick’, an iconic work by the artist. Enigmatic behind her dark glasses, she remains majestic in the face of the unexpected and affirms her femininity, armed with her lipstick. Spinels in shades of red, topazes for the turquoise version, and forty-two fine stones decorate the bezel of the new 39-mm case, which is adjusted to her feminine wrists.

With one touch of its “One Click” patented fastening system, the leather strap makes way for a version in alligator and rubber, a touch of sophistication appropriate for the moment. Available in red and turquoise, the special series will be available in 50 copies of each tone.

«When I am asked ‘What innovative and modern idea develops your painting?’ Without hesitation, I answer fusion… Using different graphic styles (cubism, impressionism, surrealism, figurative, etc.) on the same plane or over my works—just like a film director uses special effects to tell a story—will always represent an extremely exciting challenge for me.»
Marc Ferrero

HUBLOT and MARC FERRERO cultivate the art of exploration in their respective fields, with fusion as the guiding principle. Personally speaking, I love these two models. They are sophisticated and cool and honor us women of today that manage to master everyday life with all its facets.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of HUBLOT

A new limited edition collection to welcome spring by Jo Malone London. Five unexpected scents, inspired by the unruly weeds and wildly-wonderful plants and flowers that line the banks of a winding river.

Hemlock & Bergamot Cologne 30ml
Hemlock’s powdery petals, brightened with bergamot. A deadly, yet unexpectedly-delicate flower. Illuminated with golden mimosa and a floral flourish of heliotrope. Crisp and modern with a bite of cucumber.

Cade & Cedarwood Cologne 30ml
The smouldering embers of a wood-burning stove at nightfall. Basking in the warm and comforting glow of cade – its smoky scent mingled with cedarwood and complemented by a mouth-watering hint of sensual vanilla.

Lupin & Patchouli Cologne 30ml
Reminiscent of canal banks, awash with colour. A rainbow of lupin flowers, enriched by luxurious rose and deepened with rebellious patchouli. A surprising contrast with the fresh vibrancy of mandarin.

Willow & Amber Cologne 30ml
The expressive weeping willow, gently draping across the fresh morning water. Captured in the woody pairing of cashmere wood and smoky vetiver, enhanced by softly sensual amber.

Nettle & Wild Achillea Cologne 30ml
The tangy sting of nettle, peeking through pavement cracks and entwined with wild, white achillea flower. Sparkling with bright bergamot, the greenness softened by a soft base of white musk.

In stores now for CHF 72.00 each 30ml Cologne.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone London
#WildlyWonderful – #FragranceCombining

Spring is already in full bloom. Are you ready to be fully repowered? Experience François Nars’ revolution in skin – radiance from every angle. Recharge your complexion with a radiance-boosting lineup designed to reveal your skin at its absolute best with an eye make-up in nude shades that will make others green with envy, especially if they are wearing the wrong foundation :-).

Featuring the new, limited-edition SUPER RADIANCE BOOSTER – available in one universal rose gold shade that flatters all skin tones – that amplifies skin’s illumination with a pearlescent glow and lightweight, layerable texture. You can layer it underneath or mix a drop with foundation to customize an all over, radiant glow. For a subtle highlight, blend onto high points of cheekbones, bridge of nose, cupid’s bow and décolleté.

What I truly like is that you can use it to intensify the radiant effect of NARS’ cult-classic complexion essentials:

– the high coverage, longwearing NATURAL RADIANT LONGWEAR FOUNDATION. NARS’ first 16-hour non-comedogenic liquid foundation that stays turned on by the power of radiance. Now available in 34 shades.

– fan-favourite SHEER GLOW FOUNDATION. The glowing, natural radiant finish foundation provides sheer, buildable coverage and evens skin tone. Now available in 34 shades for more luminosity.

– and the bestselling, multi-purpose RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER. The award-winning multi-action concealer, contours, highlights, corrects, and perfects with medium-to-buildable coverage and a natural radiant finish. Now available in 30 shades.

To finish off your perfect complexion, I recommend the beautiful new, limited edition SKIN DEEP EYE PALETTE – the ultimate palette of nude shadows created for all skin tones. Go from subtle to smoky with rich mattes, lustrous shimmers, and smoldering metallic shadows, infused with NARS’ Pigment Power Suspension for a high-impact, silky effect. Each shadow can be used in a multitude of ways for a variety of François Nars’ signature looks. Wear it. Bare it. Make it yours.

TO SHOP NARS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE, or above on the respective highlighted text to be transferred directly to the product you like.

Tested and approved by me!

If you are living in the Zurich area, you can benefit from a free professional make-up consultation at Jelmoli. Just call +41 44 220 43 58 and meet Sophie Thibout, NARS make-up artist, who comes to the NARS Counter exclusively for 3 days: Tuesday 5th, Thursday 7th and Saturday 9th of March, 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © NARS and © Sandra Bauknecht

A REBELLIOUS COLLECTION IN ACID-BRIGHT COLOURS

Richard Mille has bitten into a juicy new realm of graphic, emotional and chromatic expression. The so-called Bonbon Collection comprises 10 models, each produced in an edition of 30 pieces.

Together, they articulate a sweet and tangy new vision of watchmaking. Composed of candies, pastries and fruit, these 10 horological treats once again subvert existing conventions, habits and expectations. Drawing on avowed expertise in the area of materials, colour and form, Richard Mille has taken the lid off a candy jar to reveal two kinds of confections for the wrist. Based on three of the brand’s iconic models, the RM 07-03, RM 16-01 and RM 37-01 offer a passage back to childhood with the simple pleasure of slightly regressive and thoroughly tasty memories, to be enjoyed without moderation.

‘The idea was to revisit the existing collections while playing with colour. This allowed me to bring out a pop-inspired sense of fun. In all, we developed a palette of 60 colours for this unisex collection,’ explained Cécile Guenat, artistic director for the collection.

Foretaste

Despite its disruptive appearance, the Richard Mille Bonbon Collection is directly descended from earlier Richard Mille creations. Take colour—the brand is continuously expanding its range. Forays into the spectrum of greens, crimson, yellow and even pink are possible thanks to a mastery of materials, many of them exclusive, that is a Richard Mille specialty. The brand’s understanding of how tinted ceramics behave, expertise in layering materials like Carbon TPT® and Quartz TPT® and constant improvements to the setting of coloured gemstones are all ingredients in these confectionary recipes, which are singularly imaginative, playful, distinctive and, most importantly, appetising. Lastly, a finely honed eye for detail makes these 10 models stunning graphic compositions that offer a wealth of shades and textures appearing in every component of the watch. The crowns and some of the caseband, for instance, take the shape of a particular treat, such as a cupcake or gelato.

Great delights

The Sweets collection comprises four models, all with two-tone ceramic cases that set off their grand feu enamel or black-chromed titanium confections. The RM 07-03 Cupcake, RM 07-03 Marshmallow, RM 37-01 Sucette and RM 16-01 Réglisse are colourful and delectable, evoking a whole spectrum of flavours. Better yet, the textures you expect to encounter upon biting into these sweets are conjured visually thanks to a mastery of enamelwork that succeeds in evoking sensations like softness, crunchiness, and fluffiness. The creamy quality of the TZP ceramic case is enhanced by the varied matt and polished effects of elements on the dial. Black, a foundational colour in the technical vocabulary of Richard Mille, is presented in a whole new light here, as a giant roll of liquorice that occupies the entire surface of a dial. Here, the most satisfactory solution for obtaining the liquorice shape of the RM 16-01 was a stamping operation, followed by a black chrome coating that lends this piece its spot-on colour and texture.

Tiny treats

The Fruit line is a homage to the very concept of sweet temptation in six delectable flavours: Lemon and Strawberry (RM 16-01 Citron et Fraise), Blueberry and Litchi (RM 07-03 Myrtille et Litchi), Kiwi and Cherry (RM 37-01 Kiwi et Cerise). In addition to colour-gradient cases made of Carbon TPT® combined with Quartz TPT® of a different hue for each model is an all-new turquoise colour. Painted in acrylics and lacquered by hand, the 3,000 miniature sculptures integrated in these compositions stand out from the dials, turning each one into a sachet full of tiny candies. To further enhance their realism, a ‘sugar coating’ effect was achieved using powdered enamel and the fine sand employed in hourglasses. Tart jelly ribbons, twisty lollipops, candy citrus segments, gumdrops and other surprises are positioned on plates of grade 5 titanium that are machined and skeletonised like horological components.

Regressive pleasures

From velvety marshmallow or custard cream to the crunch of hard candies and lollipops and tangy tartness of citrus quarters… Applying the science of materials and textures to the realm of confectionary, Richard Mille has embarked on a vast collection of delicious and powerfully evocative pieces. Whether in the Sweet or Fruit line, every watch in the Bonbon Collection is mouth-wateringly appetising, and promises a moment of horological extasy.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Richard Mille and © Sandra Bauknecht